Rick Flemming, Job Developer – Full Stack .NET Cloud Developer Bridging Program
Community Outreach & Workforce Development

Can you briefly describe your role and how you connect newcomers with employment opportunities?

Rick: Yes, as the job developer, I connect with companies who are hiring in the IT sector for both the Full-stack .NET Cloud Developer and IT infrastructure Bridging Programs. The objective is to secure full-time employment for the participants from the bridge programs. I reach out to employers to create awareness about our programs at Humber College and to find out if they would be open to considering our candidates for full-time positions. If they are, then I receive a job description from them and share it with the cohorts to find out who would be most qualified for those roles. Following which, I will forward, usually four or five resumes to the employer and hopefully set up interviews after that.

What are some challenges that you associate with this role and how do you address them?

Rick: Among employers, there is certainly a lack of awareness of what a bridge program is, and also the skillset that the newcomers have. Employers also tend to question the newcomers’ English skills and sometimes even confuse the bridge program with undergraduate Co-op placements. So, I need to differentiate and distinguish the bridge program participants from Coop students.

Can you share a recent accomplishment in this role that you're proud of?

Rick: Yes! Recently, there was a company that I reached out to after seeing a job posting on Indeed. They sent me a job description, which I was able to share with the current cohort of full-stack developers. The company then organized an interview and I shared several resumes with them. They interviewed two of our candidates and decided to offer a position to one of the participants, who has accepted! So, the process worked very well in that situation.

What advice would you give to newcomers who are looking to restart their careers in Canada?

Rick: Well, a big part of it is networking. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, to explain what it is you're looking for. Keep applying and don't get discouraged. Stay optimistic and eventually you'll find the job that you're looking for.